Can the United States cap North Korea's nuclear weapon by using the policy of
benign-neglect?

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Author

Sattler, Monika.

Description

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgetown University, 2010.; Includes bibliographical
references.; Text (Electronic thesis) in PDF format. The United States is greatly concerned
about North Korea. But why? North Korea is not in the proximity of the main land of the United
States. Its ally South Korea has favored engagement with North Korea over punishment.
Admittedly, the development of nuclear weapons is of great concern to the US although they
cannot reach US main land yet. North Korea's actions target to get the attention of the US by
any means. Knowing about North Korea's intentions, the US could approach North Korea and
trying to establish normal relations. However, the unpredictability of the leadership is only
one of the many concerns of the US why normalization of US-DPRK relations remains almost
impossible.; North Korea takes any action necessary to gain the attention from the United
States due to its failing economy, isolated status and political instability. Thus, if the US
ignores North Korea, North Korea threatens with its nuclear weapons program. In the past, the
US approached North Korea to reach agreements with the oppressive regime, which are later
violated by North Korea. Its violation led to North Korea's further isolation. This circle of
policy actions have been made several times in the past decades. The US could cut this circle
if it ignores North Korea's threats with a benign-neglect policy approach. The benign-neglect
policy could serve the needed purpose: non-aggressive, passive ignorance.